Choosing Between Yakima Y02458 Ridgeback or YA44FR Backroad on 2017 BMW X3

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Question:

Hello, Im looking to install a hitch bike rack on my 2017 BMW x3. I have a 2 inch receiver and wanted to get your opinion on which one would be a better fit for my vehicle, and overall which one would you recommend Yakima or similar brand in price range. This will be for a family of 3, 2 adults and a child. Thank you!

asked by: Samira I

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The racks share many similarities as far as capacities and design goes, but in a nutshell I'd consider the # Y02458 RidgeBack to be an upgraded version of the # YA44FR BackRoad.

The RidgeBack has several upgrades that make it easier to use, such as the speed knob anti rattle system which provides a locking knob at the front of the rack that takes all the slack out of the hitch/rack connection versus the threaded hitch pin on the BackRoad that you'll need to use a wrench to install/remove. The RidgeBack has the upright tilt lever in an easily reachable spot, versus behind the rack at the bottom like it is on the BackRoad. The BackRoad provides a cable lock, but to make the hitch pin lockable, you'll need to add the # Y07235 hitch lock. The RidgeBack includes the hitch locking mechanism built into the rack, while the cable lock is available separately as part # Y02466.

Either rack would work well on the vehicle you specified. So, which one to choose? That will depend on how you're planning on using the rack. If you plan on using it very frequently, the upgraded features of the RidgeBack that make it easier to use would be welcome, and be worth the extra expense. If you're not planning on using the rack other than occasionally, the lower cost of the BackRoad would make it the more attractive choice.

I've linked to product demonstration videos for both racks.

expert reply by: Mike L

1

Answer 1

Hey Rachel, few things here. First off, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" #C12184 does indeed need the stabilizing strap #18050 on non-trailered loads like a bike rack to add in support. And to answer your other…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

Hey Jerit, congrats on the new car. We've got a couple of hitches that fit the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The etrailer Trailer Hitch item #e98912 is going to be the most affordable option. This custom fit class III hitch has a 2"…

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Answer 5

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

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Answer 6

Hello Mike, thanks for reaching out. We do offer a few different hitches for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, the Curt #C22MJ, the Draw-Tite #76209 and the EcoHitch #EH57CR. All 3 of these hitches place the receiver in virtually the same position beneath…

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Answer 7

Hey Steven, thanks for reaching out. Yep, we sure do. For your 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness I recommend the following Curt hitch: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C54GJ This hitch is designed specifically for the…

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Answer 8

Hello David, great question. So, there is a chance that you will have to enlarge the access holes for the both the etrailer #e98912 hitch and the EcoHitch #306-X7365. Both hitches come with the same size spacers. The picture below will help…

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Answer 9

Hello Charles, Great question. The only difference between the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" #e25TR, and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C67JR is the…

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Answer 10

Hey Brian, sorry for any confusion but we do have the Curt hitch 13634 you are looking for with the part #C54GJ which is a fit for your 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness.

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Answer 11

Hello Rose, thanks for writing in. Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C22MJ is exactly the right hitch for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The only exception is the wilderness model so as long as yours isn't the wilderness you can be sure it…

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Answer 12

Hey Isaiah, thanks for reaching out! I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 2025 Subaru Crosstrek simply because it has a matte black finish that offers a better look and protection over the glossy black finish we see on the other…

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Choosing Between Yakima Y02458 Ridgeback or YA44FR Backroad on 2017 BMW X3

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